Friday, October 02, 2015

Hey There, Cornish Pasties

There's this whole thing about Cornish pasties. Apparently it was a nine-year campaign which culminated in 2011 to be successfully awarded the EU's 'Protected Geographical Indication' (PGI). That defined how a Cornish pasty should look- shaped like a 'D' and crimped at the side instead of the top. And also, if the menu lists that, then it should be prepared in Cornwall. However, the pasties don't have to be baked here; the ingredients needn't come from the county.

Okaaayy. I guess they're really serious about their pasties. In the olden days, when pasties are ready bal maidens would shout down the mine shafts, "Oggy Oggy Oggy!" and the hungry miners would respond "Oi Oi Oi!" I didn't realize this 'chant' was used that way too. Simply thought it was a cheer at sports stadiums. Hahaha.

I suppose it's just another version of the Asian curry puff or the LatAm empanadas. Or one could argue that the pasty is the original of all variations. Miners, globalization, etc. Whatever. I love them all! Except the sweet version served with jam and cream. There's an official definition of what goes into a Cornish pasty. But my tastebuds also want it vegetarian or with fish, which taste just as good. When I eat pasties (and pies), chilli sauce is needed. Why would restaurants or little joints serve chilli sauce here? I'd be lucky if they have tabasco. I'm prepared with travel-size packets of sambal in my bag. o.O

Pasty rolled out like a plate, Piled with turmut, tates and mate. Doubled up, and baked like fate. That's a Cornish Pasty. (~ Anonymous, an old rhyme)

I very much prefer pasties over the usual dainty sandwiches at English afternoon teas. I hold a special dislike of those tasteless cucumber sandwiches, unless they come with egg mayo or mushrooms. Hurhurhur. Gotta have at least one giant Cornish pasty. This one was fat and juicy, filled with diced beef, onions, swedes (not turnips) and potatoes. It definitely had a ton of butter. I hope it didn't hold lard too. It was delicious.

Notion

“A large, but not particularly impressive, book. Other books in the University's libraries had covers inlaid with rare jewels and fascinating wood, or bound with dragon skin. This one was just a rather tatty leather. It looked the sort of book described in library catalogues as 'slightly foxed', although it would be more honest to admit that it looked as though it had been badgered, wolved and possibly beared as well.
Metal clasps held it shut. They weren't decorated, they were just very heavy – like the chain, which didn't so much attach the book to the lectern as tether it.
They looked like the work of someone who had a pretty definite aim in mind, and who had spent most of his life making training harness for elephants.” ~ The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett